Shepherd’s Purse

Capsella Bursa-pastoris

Growing to 40cm (16in) in height. Esteemed the world over for its green, flat heart-shaped fruits in the spring. Tiny four-petaled flowers grow in clusters with basal leaves.

Family: Brassicaceae

Which probiotic is it in?: Shepherd’s purse is a key herb in Bio-Live Women.

Habit and cultivation: Native to Europe and considered a weed, it now grows throughout the world. It is the second most prolific wild plant in the world. Grows in most soils, cultivated or wild areas and wastelands everywhere.

Actions (known for): Anti-haemorrhagic (systemically), anti-haemorrhagic (topically), styptic, anti-haemorrhagic (uterine), anti-inflammatory and diuretic.

History of Shepherd’s Purse

‘Capsella’ in Latin translates to little box, referring to the fruit commonly called Shepherd’s purse. A well known medicine during ancient Greek and Roman periods for diarrhoea, dysentery and stomach cramps. The Native Americans also used it for the same complaints.

Parts used from the Shepherd’s Purse

Above ground parts.

Constituents (bio available chemicals):

Acetylcholine, bursic acid, choline, diosmin (flavonoid glycoside), fumeric acid, tyramin and polypeptides.

Nutritional constituents:

Vitamin C and K. Minerals: calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, sulphur and zinc.

Indications:

Dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, nose-bleeds, uterine bleeding and catarrh (genitourinary tract).

Dosage:

Liquid extract (1:2): 20-40ml per week. Infusion of dried herb: 1-4g 3 x daily.

British Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Uterine hemorrhage.

Cautions for therapeutic doses

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